Penn-Jersey Spirit played in the American Professional Soccer League in 1990 and 1991. The team's home stadium was Lions Stadium in Ewing, New Jersey, on the campus of Trenton State College (today known as the College of New Jersey). The team also played a small number of home games at La Salle University.
The team was coached by Dave MacWilliams and assisted by former local professional player Tom O'Dea. Mike Romeo was the team's goalkeeper coach. Notable players included Cris Vaccaro and Dan Donigan as well as a pair of current NCAA Division I coaches, Dave Masur of St. John's University and George Gelnovatch of University of Virginia. The team also had Matt Knowles, who was the first draft pick of the New York/New Jersey Metrostars in 1996.
Noted soccer writer Paul Oliu was a backup goalkeeper with the team in year two.
The original ownership group included Spencer Rockman and Pat Varsalona, who were the co-founders of the Garden State Soccer League, New Jersey's largest adult semipro/amateur soccer league. Rockman served as the team's General Manager for both seasons.
Although reasonably well-supported, the team ceased operations after its second season.
Contents |
First Team All Star
Second Team All Star
| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | N/A | APSL | 3rd, ASL North | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1991 | N/A | APSL | 4th, American | Did not qualify | Did not enter |